A Question for somebody in Human Resources (HR)

[cruiser]

A bit of history.

I have been working for company X for 6 years. Three months ago I have a meeting (which went for 3 hours) with a manager regarding a coworker that I was having problems with. I had emailed this manager a list of the issues/concerns (with dates, etc of what happened) and this manager then met with me to discuss these issues. He said that he would talk to the employee and ensure that this behaviour "stopped".

Jump ahead three months....I submit my resignation to the company. I don't list any exact reason, just when people ask me, I say "time for a change". Since my meeting with the manager, myself and the employee that I was talking about about worked mutually together with no major issues or conflicts.

My question for the masses....Since I didn't give a "specific" reason as to why I left, can my company's HR put it on file that the reason I left was because of my conflict with this employee (which was a 3 month old issue)? Co-workers also have issues with this person and they are speculating that that's the reason I left. For the record, there are many reasons, and he is only a small percentage of it.

Appreciate any thoughts/feedback.

thanks,
Cruiser

 

[apis]

Since I didn't give a "specific" reason as to why I left, can my company's HR put it on file that the reason I left was because of my conflict with this employee (which was a 3 month old issue)?

I too work for a large company although not in HR. I'm also not a labour relations lawyer. However, I'm not aware of an actual labour law that would dictate what they can or cannot put in your file. I suppose if a company put something egregious in your file that was obviously wrong you could sue them for libel? It seems to me your best option would be to just have a meeting with the HR office and explain the situation more clearly (i.e., give them a better reason for leaving to put in your file).

Also, I assume you're asking because you think the next place you'll seek work will contact the previous place's HR?

 

[badbadboy]

When you resigned did you ask for a letter of reference and it was declined? If yes then its apparent they felt you didn't play well with others and if no then there probably is nothing in your file.

Was there an exit interview which specifically asked why you were leaving?

If none of these events occurred, why should you worry? The employer probably didn't do the proper damage control while you were employed there nor did they figure out what the problem was after you left.

Simply put, if asked in an interview you could just say that you wanted a new challenge and the old company was stagnant or something a little more creative.

 

[cruiser]

When you resigned did you ask for a letter of reference and it was declined? If yes then its apparent they felt you didn't play well with others and if no then there probably is nothing in your file.

Was there an exit interview which specifically asked why you were leaving?

If none of these events occurred, why should you worry? The employer probably didn't do the proper damage control while you were employed there nor did they figure out what the problem was after you left.

Simply put, if asked in an interview you could just say that you wanted a new challenge and the old company was stagnant or something a little more creative.

To refer to your points:
1) I have asked my direct supervisor for a reference and he gladly said yes (he and I had an excellent working repoire (sp).

2) They have asked me for an exit interview and I have said yes (I am leaving town for 2 weeks for a holiday I scheduled 6 months ago, and I said to call me when I get back). I am worried about what I say on an exit interview, because although they say its "confidential", I'm sure management will want to know why I left. I did ask the HR girl to email me a list of the questions so I could review them and be prepared when she calls me in 2 weeks.

 

[Guardian Angel]

To refer to your points:
1) I have asked my direct supervisor for a reference and he gladly said yes (he and I had an excellent working repoire (sp).

2) They have asked me for an exit interview and I have said yes (I am leaving town for 2 weeks for a holiday I scheduled 6 months ago, and I said to call me when I get back). I am worried about what I say on an exit interview, because although they say its "confidential", I'm sure management will want to know why I left. I did ask the HR girl to email me a list of the questions so I could review them and be prepared when she calls me in 2 weeks.

If you have a new job then I would just drop it and move on.

I worked for a company for 20 years, left on somewhat bad terms (we agreed to disagree mutually) and as much as I was like family, neither of us has talked since. Employers quickly tend to forget about past employees. They have other issues more important to deal with.

Carry on and march forward my friend!!!!!!!!!!!

G.A.

 

[Dnice]

I'm not in HR but have dealt with these situations for coworkers before. You do have a right to see whats on your file, which you can ask during your exit interview. Also, you can also submit a letter into your own file acknowledging that that meeting occured and your opinion of the outcome of that meeting for the record. You can ask your former manager to sign the letter as well, or your HR representative. Are you just worried about a bad reference? or just don't want to burn any bridges?